INSPKCTK^N «)F CoMMEltCIA I. FKlC'lILIZEKS. Ti* 



IIIK INSrECrioN OF C'OM.MKIH'IAI. FEKTll.- 



IZEKS IN 1907. 



During 1907, one hundred and six samples of fertilizers 

 were collected by IMr. Charles B. Hoyt, agent of the State 

 Board of Agriculture, and sent to the Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station for analysis. These samples represented 

 ninety-four brands of mixed fertilizers and nine lots of 

 chemicals. 



Twenty brands were deficient in one or more constituents 

 to an extent which would lower their value below that of 

 the guarantee. These brands were distributed among 

 nearly all the manufacturers represented in the trade and 

 indicates that the goods are mixed with no margin for er- 

 rors in weighing the different constituents, or are imper- 

 fectly mixed so that they are not correctly represented by a 

 sample from a small lot. 



The fertilizer trade in this state lasts but a few weeks 

 in the early spring. It is nearly planting time before many 

 agents receive their stock and they deliver as much as pos- 

 sible directly from the car to their patrons. The collector 

 consequently finds it difficult to secure samples from more 

 than a few sacks in the hands of the agents. Under such 

 circumstances, the goods must be well mixed before they 

 are put in bags, or samples will not agree with the printed 

 statement of composition. 



The variations appeared to be accidental rather than in- 

 tentional ; but it makes it worth while for the buj'er of fer- 

 tilizers to scan the bulletin each year and note whether his 

 favorite brands are among those which show imperfections. 



The purchase of fertilizers by the name of the brand is 

 evident, both from the large number of brands of the same 

 guaranteed composition and from a comparison of prices 

 where these figures have been obtained. 



For example, several brands of fertilizers guarantee ni- 

 trogen two per cent., available phosphoric acid, eight per 



